The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-01-24
THE FIELD OF LITERATURE.
Mr.. Maurice rhompson,s New Book.

novel, IA Banker of Bankersville," savors of
slang and must create, in advance, unfavor-
able impression of the book among those who
are not sufficiently acquainted with the authors
style and character to know that he is incapable
of using slang. The misleading name once
passed, the story is soon found to equal, it not
excel, in interest any of Mr.. Thompson's pre-
vious efforts in the line of fiction. The faults
most noticeable in Loves Extremes" the work
Immediately preceding this, not apparent
here. Fewer opportunities are seized upon for
airing pet views and theories at unnecessary
length, and there is little none of the strain
ing after effect visible in the "hne
writing" scattered through his earlier works.
This story is told in a straightforward way and
the thread Of it is at time dropped for the pur'
Pose of INDUCING in philosophical or sentimental
musings. Indeed, imagination and sentiment
allowed so little play that many chapters
bear q strong resemblance to bald, unsympa-
thetic newspaper reports-a species of literature
which Mr. Thompson affects to despise Not
to destroy the interest of the narrative for in
tending readers by disclosing the plot, it is
enough to say that it hinges upon the expert
ence of finely educated young lawyer who ex-
pected to gain practice and professional stand
ing by sheer force of his knowledge Of law. His
despair as the conviction is forced upon him
that he Is likely to starve to death
With all his store Of legal lore I'M
ased and his feeling of hepessness
in his plight is we'll described and will touch a
sympathetic chord in the heart of many sensi-
tive professional man conscious of talent, but
with no faculty for pushing his merits into no.
tice The contrast between this man and anoth-
or who becomes bis partner forms the chief feat
are OF the story and is admirably drawn. With
little legal knowledge but with that unlimited
self assurance commonly known as "cheek. and
lpleasiug address. this partner pushed the firm
nto prominence and q lucrative practice by
nethods of advertising which would have been
impossible for the fastdous associate to employ,
sven had they occurred TO his mind.
Notwithstanding the fact that the career OF
the enterpristng audacious member of the firm
terminated dsastrously the reader is left to draw
the inference that Gully the lawyer who advor-
tises his own merits can succeed, and also, that
success in the profession is no measure OF actual
ability and attachments. This is rather dis
eouraginc view To take, but being given, as 1t
were, from the inside it is presumption to say
that it is not the correct one.
The story is strong one. taken altogether, and
must hold the attention of that critical person the
experienced novelreader wherever found, but
has added local interest for Indianians.
Bankersvile is an Indiana towr, and being re-
ferred to by other names, such as the Western
Boston," 'Hoosier Athens" ETC., its identity is
GOT difficult to establish. Mr.. Thompson has
touched up one two of his neighbors
antil they recognizable so far away as the
capital OF tine State, ana III Is possible Lnat per
gons intimately acquainted with the town may
be able to detect likenesses among the cbarac-
tiers to other residents. This use of his own
place of residence and his fellow citizens, to-
Rether with certain condolences in the life of
the hero of the story, with circumstances in the
authors own experience already known to the
public, will inevitably lead Indiana readers to
wonder how much of actual personal history is
contained in the book. Mr. Thompson may not
have intended any part of it autobiography,
but certain chapters will probably be construed
10 that light Published by Cassell & Co.
Price, 81.
New Books.
Houghton, Mffin & CO., Boston, have issued
Volume III of Narrative and Critical History
Of America" edited by Justin Winson, librarian
of Harvard University. This volume treats of
English explorations and settlements in North
America from 1897 to 16S9 and is largely COM
posed of original documents and maps, facts
drawn directly from them. 1t deals with orig
inal sources of information and is a rich mine of
curious information and rare historical material.
1t Is compiled with great care, and the narrative
portion of the work is exceedingly we'll done.
Indianapolis: The Bowen Merrill Company.
From John B. Alden, New York, we have re-
ceived Volume of Guizot's History of France
The elegance and cheapness of this edition are
remarkable. The set is to consist of eight vol
umes good type and paper copiously illustrated
and handsomely bound in dark morocco, will
marbled edges. Cost Of the entire set, sc, with
reduction on this low price to those ordering
early. Fifty cents volume for such work IL
very cheap. 1t can be ordered by mail at THU
rate. or of the Bowen-M Merrill Company Indian
npolis
John B. Alden New York. issues the His
tory of Ancient Egypt" in two volumes b,
Prof. George Rawlinson. Probably no man liv
ing is so competent to deal with the subject a
Professor Rawlinson, and the work is wonder
full monument OF learning and research. I
throws a food of light the earliest ages o
the human race. what has hitherto been calle
the re-historic period, and must become guide
book for all future explorers in those dark laby
rinths For students of Biblical and ancient his
tory it is invaluable For sale by the Bower
Merrill Company Price of the two volume.
ST. %, marvel of cheapness.
"Art and Life: a Ruskn Anthology" is a CO
lection of excerpts from Ruskin's writings b
W. s Kennedy The extracts finely represen
Ruskins manner Of thought and expression an
cover variety Of topics in art, literature an
Kite Ii is a rare col'ection of literary gems an
nuggets of critical wisdom. The book is hans
semeIy bound. has $50 pages, two portraits an
other illustrations. Price. ST.. New York: job
b. Alden. Indianapolis: the Bowen-Merri
Company.
Miss Corson's Practical American Cooker
and Household Management is valuable boo
for housekeepers. The author, Miss Juliet Co
son, is known as an authority in such matter
The work is something more than ordinas
cookbook 1t gives the accepted rules Of Ell
quette in entertaining, with directions for ma
ketng. carving and general table service, ct
New York: Dodd. Mead Is Co. Inlianapoll
The Bowen Merrill Company.
IA Study of Mexico" by David A. Wells Il
well-known writer political economy and s
cal science, is the result of journey made
and through Mexico in 1885, The author hi
peculiar facilities for observing the condition
the country and people, and improved them